Construction has officially begun on a major $25 million transformation project that will convert a deteriorated solid-fill pier into a five-acre public park space in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The ambitious undertaking at MADE Bush Terminal's Pier 6 will serve both local community members and tenants of the MADE Bush Terminal Campus, which forms part of the larger 200-acre Sunset Park District.
The project represents a collaboration between several key organizations, including the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), SCAPE, Arcadis, Matrix New World, Sam Schwartz Engineering, Johnson & Asberry, and JK Muir. The primary objectives of this waterfront development are to strengthen coastal resiliency measures while significantly expanding public recreational space in the area.
SCAPE is leading the landscape architecture efforts for Pier 6's complete transformation, while Sam Schwartz Engineering handles the technical engineering and design components. Johnson & Asberry is spearheading community outreach and public engagement initiatives, and JK Muir serves as the project's sustainability consultant to ensure environmentally responsible development practices.
The MADE Bush Terminal complex consists of four primary buildings that were historically operated by the Bush Terminal Railroad Company. Building A has already undergone redesign by nARCHITECTS, and current waterfront construction includes work on Building C, also designed by nARCHITECTS, alongside the ongoing Pier 6 development. The acronym MADE represents Manufacturers, Artisans, Designers, and Entrepreneurs, reflecting the campus's focus on creative and industrial innovation.
The broader Sunset Park District encompasses several important hubs beyond the MADE Bush Terminal, including the Brooklyn Army Terminal, South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, and Brooklyn Wholesale Meat Market. According to SCAPE, Pier 6 will function as the "front porch" for the MADE Bush Terminal section of the district, creating a welcoming entrance and gathering space.
The park design thoughtfully incorporates existing natural features, particularly preserving a forest that grew organically at the pier's end after the structure fell into disuse. This existing woodland will serve both aesthetic and biodiversity purposes in the new design. The development will feature multiple "playful pockets," as the landscape architecture team describes them, including dedicated gathering spaces, a dining area, an outdoor classroom, a tide pool exploration area, three interconnected lawns, and scenic boardwalks.
NYCEDC has announced plans to reveal a comprehensive facilitation program for water-based recreational and educational activities at Pier 6 in the coming months. This programming will enhance the park's value as both a community resource and educational destination.
"Sunset Park's waterfront has long been a hidden gem, and the rehabilitation and transformation of Pier 6 continues EDC's commitment to ensuring thoughtful access for residents and workers alike," stated Randy Peers, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. This project represents another significant achievement for SCAPE, which previously completed the transformative Gowanus Lowlands Masterplan project located north of Sunset Park, demonstrating the firm's continued expertise in urban waterfront revitalization throughout Brooklyn.
